The Valentré Bridge through pilgrims' eyes: an early-morning crossing on the GR65 & the climb to the Croix de Magne
The highlight of your departure from Cahors towards the Quercy Blanc and Lascabanes
For every walker on the Via Podiensis, crossing the three fortified towers of the Valentré Bridge in the early morning remains one of the most memorable moments of the Way between Le Puy-en-Velay and Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. Here are all our walkers' tips for this crossing.
1. Crossing a 14th-century masterpiece listed by UNESCO as part of the Ways of St James
Spanning the Lot since 1308, the Valentré Bridge is not only the emblem of Cahors: it is officially a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Ways of St James in France. As you cross it on foot with your backpack at first light, look up at the central tower to greet the famous little devil carved by the architect Paul Gout in 1879.
2. Drinking water & last preparations at the foot of the bridge
Before crossing the last arch on the left bank, make sure your water bottles or hydration pack are 100% full (there is a drinking-water point and public toilets near the bridge). Once over the bridge, you leave the town straight away and enter the wild nature of the limestone hillsides.
3. The climb to the Croix de Magne: the real start towards the Quercy Blanc
Just after the third tower of the Valentré Bridge, the GR65 turns left and tackles the famous climb to the Croix de Magne (+180 metres of ascent on a stony zigzag path under truffle oaks). Keep a steady pace with your poles: halfway up and at the top of the Croix de Magne, turn around to admire the extraordinary view down onto the Valentré Bridge and the whole Cahors peninsula where you slept!
100% pedestrian crossing. Recommended departure between 7:15 and 8 am in summer, to make the Croix de Magne climb while it is still cool.
Don't start too fast on the climb just after the bridge: it is steep for 25 to 30 minutes, but the view from the top over the Valentré Bridge at sunrise is magical.